Inside the Miami Marlins with MLB.com beat writer Joe FrisaroTwitter

Defensive lapses 'unacceptable'

On the bright side, the Marlins scored more runs than they made errors.

That point was made half-jokingly by Marlins president of baseball operations Larry Beinfest to manager Fredi Gonzalez minutes after a 5-5 tie with the Cardinals on Wednesday. In the 10-inning game, Florida had four errors.

“More runs than errors,” Beinfest said to Gonzalez, while he was about to address the media. “Take it as a positive.”

Improving defensively is a major objective for the Marlins this season. A year ago, the team finished third in the Major Leagues in errors committed. The goal is to improve, but right from the first batter, an error was made when first baseman Gaby Sanchez dropped Anibal Sanchez’s throw, allowing Skip Schumaker to reach safely. The error led to an unearned run.

“It’s unacceptable,” Beinfest said. “I don’t care if it’s the first day or the last day. It’s unacceptable. We need to play better defense, right from the start. Set the tone.

“We’ve talked about it a lot. This team is going to take pride in its defense. Yes, it is the first day, but we’re capable of playing better defense. It’s not the way you want to start. We want to set the tone right away.”

2 Comments

Obviously the first spring game doesn’t mean that we will see more of the same. Still, it is hard to fault Larry for being upset. They’ve preached defense for years. There were just too many basic plays that weren’t made, and Larry felt he would address the matter right from the start. They want to set a tone early. Maybe the message will sink in. If not, changes will likely be made.

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